The tiger, India’s National Animal, is disappearing at an alarming rate from our forests. Government estimates reveal that there may be fewer than 1500 left. Why have India’s tigers declined so drastically? What exactly are the problems facing their conservation? And are there any solutions to the crisis? These and many other questions are answered succinctly in ‘The Truth about Tigers’, an educational documentary by award-winning wildlife and conservation filmmaker, Shekar Dattatri. The film also provides useful pointers on how ordinary citizens can contribute towards saving the tiger.

Two years in the making, the film combines stunning footage shot by some of the world’s leading cinematographers with deep insights from experts such as renowned tiger biologist Dr. Ullas Karanth of the Wildlife Conservation Society, and wildlife crime fighter, Belinda Wright of the Wildlife Protection Society of India. This unique film takes one through the tiger’s life, from birth to death, and illustrates how different human activities impact the conservation of this great predator. Internationally acclaimed actor, Roshan Seth, provides the narration for the English version of the film, and David Mitcham, one of Britain’s top documentary composers, generously contributed a bulk of the music used in the film.

Praise for the film:

Superb job. The footage is excellent. Tigers are such beautiful creatures. And the editing is very well done too. I especially appreciated the script which is concise, not sensationalized, and informative. I hope the film gets a wide distribution. Congratulations - George Schaller, Wildlife Biologist

The film really is marvelous and I should think enormously useful. I was truly impressed — not only with the footage but with the spare, careful, clear writing – Geoffrey C. Ward, author of Tiger-Wallahs

it is pitch perfect. The voice, and words, and all the sound, are exactly right. The shots are brilliantly chosen to illustrate and drive the logic and the words. Really, a masterpiece – Ruth Padel, author of Tigers in Red Weather

Shekar Dattatri is a wildlife and conservation filmmaker whose films have won numerous awards in India and abroad, and aired around the world on channels such as National Geographic and Discovery. A committed conservationist, his well-researched films combine craftsmanship and artistry with a profound understanding of the nuances of conservation issues. In 2004 he received a Rolex Award for Enterprise for his conservation filmmaking, and subsequently, the Carl Zeiss Award for conservation and the Edberg Award from the Rolf Edberg Foundation in Sweden. More information on his work can be found at www.shekardattatri.com

Screenings and distribution: ‘The Truth about Tigers’ is a non-profit, non-commercial, non-broadcast film that is intended solely for free screenings and distribution. Besides English, the film is available in Tamil, Hindi, Marathi and Kannada. Special screenings can be arranged upon request. Kindly contact us for details.

Analyse the Crisis

Why are tigers disappearing from our forests, and what do we need to do to reverse their decline? This section provides a clear analysis of India’s tiger crisis and the solutions that are available to prevent the needless extinction of our national animal.

Understand the Tiger

The tiger is a large, territorial, meat-eating animal that needs about 3000 kg of live prey every year and undisturbed forests to live in. Any attempts to save this charismatic predator will only succeed if we have a clear understanding of what tigers need.

Defend the Tiger

Passion without action is of little use. If we are to save this priceless gift of nature, thousands of well-informed citizens must raise their voices and actively participate in conservation efforts. Learn about what you can do.

Experts speak!

Read what some of the world’s leading experts on tigers and their conservation have to say. Their distilled wisdom can transform you from a sympathizer to a true defender of wild tigers.